Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels carted off after tackle against Bears

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was taken off the field on a stretcher after a third-quarter tackle against the Chicago Bears in Atlanta on Sunday, October 18. He was ruled out of the game with a neck injury, the Associated Press reported.

Daniels remained on the ground after tackling Bears tight end Colston Loveland. Trainers attended to him for several minutes, secured him to a board and took him away on a cart, according to AP. The Sun also reported that medical staff treated Daniels on the field before he was taken away on a stretcher.

Players gathered as Daniels received treatment

The Sun quoted NBC Atlanta sports reporter Maria Martin describing a quiet scene at the stadium as Falcons players gathered around Daniels. Martin said she would not post close-up photos out of respect for Daniels and his family. Her account described the response on the field, without offering a medical update.

What was reported about Daniels' condition

Sporting News said the FOX broadcast reported that Daniels was conscious, had movement in all his extremities and was being checked at a hospital. Those details were attributed to the broadcast; the confirmed game status in AP's account was that Daniels had been ruled out with a neck injury. A later medical update was not immediately available.

Daniels is a fourth-round draft pick from Oklahoma, according to AP. The linebacker had started six games for Atlanta and entered Sunday's matchup with 22 tackles this season. His removal ended his participation in the Bears game after the third-quarter play.